Security & Defense

Pakistan reports major counter-terror operations in Balochistan

Pakistan’s Army said security forces killed 92 militants and lost 15 soldiers in multiple counter-terrorism operations across Balochistan after attacks on January 31, 2026.

Israeli strikes intensify in Gaza after ceasefire phase two

Gaza rescue officials reported at least 32 deaths from a wave of Israeli air strikes on Saturday, and the IDF confirmed it carried out multiple strikes citing a Hamas ceasefire violation the day before.

US clears major arms package for Israel

The US State Department approved $6.67bn in arms sales to Israel, including 30 Apache attack helicopters and infantry assault vehicles.

Burkina Faso junta ends multiparty politics

Burkina Faso’s military-led government issued a decree dissolving all political parties and political formations and ordering their assets transferred to the state.

TotalEnergies relaunches Mozambique LNG buildout

TotalEnergies announced it has restarted construction of its $20bn LNG project at Afungi in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province after a suspension since 2021.

UN to take over al-Hol camp for IS families in Syria unrest

The UN says it has taken over management of Syria’s al-Hol camp after Kurdish-led forces withdrew amid an advance by Syrian government forces, triggering unrest that halted aid operations.

Pentagon to offer 'more limited' support to US allies in defence strategy shift

The Pentagon’s new National Defense Strategy says the US will provide more limited support to allies and will prioritize homeland and Western Hemisphere security over China.

Mali moves to impose fuel rationing al-Qaida-linked attacks disrupt supplies

Mali’s government announced plans to impose fuel rationing to address shortages caused by al-Qaida-linked attacks on fuel transport and supply routes. The measures aim to reduce long lines at gas stations ahead of Ramadan and include plate registration and limits on how often vehicles can refuel.

US seizes another Venezuelan-linked oil tanker as Venezuela’s interim government promises oil-law reforms

US forces seized the oil tanker Veronica in the Caribbean as Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez told parliament that legislation governing the oil sector would be reformed.

Germany passes legislation to speed up arms procurement for the armed forces

Germany’s parliament passed legislation to speed up and simplify armaments procurement for the armed forces by expanding the use of direct contract awards without lengthy tendering procedures.

US seizes Venezuela-linked oil tanker Veronica in Caribbean

US forces boarded and seized the crude oil tanker Veronica in the Caribbean in a predawn operation as part of efforts to control exports of Venezuelan oil.

Ukraine appoints a new defence minister and moves the former defence minister to the energy ministry

Ukraine’s parliament confirmed Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister and appointed Denys Shmyhal as energy minister and first deputy prime minister during a second attempt to fill the posts.

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